Raising Blackbeard's "Queen Anne's Revenge"

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROTECTED AREA

The North Carolina state historic preservation officer has determined that site 31CR314, which represents the remains of Queen Anne's Revenge, is historically significant on a local, state, and national level and is therefore eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. On March 3, 1997, DCR Secretary Betty Ray McCain designated the Queen Anne's Revenge site a protected area (Appendix D). That designation applies to the shipwreck and the surrounding sea floor within 300 yards of the site. North Carolina General Statute 121-23 grants the department title to and management authority for lost and abandoned vessels in state waters. Furthermore, DCR has the authority to designate as protected areas certain abandoned shipwrecks and underwater artifacts of primary scientific, archaeological, or historical value as set forth in North Carolina Administrative Code T07 04R.1009. The designation also calls for the development of a management plan to guide all access, recovery, and conservation of Queen Anne's Revenge and dictates that all artifacts shall be kept as an intact collection in an appropriate repository.

The protected area, marked by a white buoy, lies 1.2 nautical miles off Fort Macon and is to be avoided by all vessels. Surveillance equipment consisting of land-based radar, infrared video cameras, and human observers constantly monitors the site. Unauthorized diving or anchoring in that area is strictly prohibited by law, and violators are subject to arrest by the Carteret County Sheriff's Department. Vessels or dive gear may be confiscated upon arrest, and criminal and civil penalties may be assessed in accordance with the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (NCGS 70-15,16,17).